Wella Announces the Finalists of Wella Trend Vision Awards
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
by Anne Moratto
Barbicide and Merit Are Making Certifications Digital and Contactless
The partnership between Barbicide and Merit has made it easy for beauty pros to share certifications on social media, through messaging platforms, or even in-person via scannable QR code.
by Staff
May 7, 2021
3 min to read
"For nearly 75 years, Barbicide has provided the equipment and training to help professionals keep their workspaces clean and disinfected. On May 1, 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic looming, the brand released its free online Barbicide COVID-19 Certification course in addition to the original Barbicide Certification course that has existed since 2012. These courses teach and test professionals on the latest cleaning and disinfection safety guidelines and best practices. In the 12 months since launching the program, more than 1 million professionals have earned more than 2 million Barbicide certifications."
Bridging Cosmetology and Technology
Barbicide didn’t stop at offering free education and certifications for professionals. The team went a step further for the industry by partnering with Merit to make those certificates digitally available on professionals’ smartphones for secure, contactless sharing. Beginning in December 2020, every professional’s certifications were sent via Merit. Now, the million-plus professionals who have already been certified, and any future professionals who become certified, can easily show their dedication to providing safe services and meeting client expectations.
Merit is a verified identity platform that works with trusted government and private organizations to send and verify digital credentials. Merit’s free smartphone app makes it easy for people to store, manage, access, and share those credentials – whether it’s a certification from a private organization like Barbicide or a cosmetology license from a state licensing board. In fact, due to Merit’s existing partnership with Virginia’s Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, beauty professionals in Virginia can also manage all of their state-issued professional licenses with Merit.
One Place for Every Credential
Sarah Williams is a licensed cosmetologist, licensed permanent cosmetic tattooer, and certified makeup artist who lives in Richmond, VA. “When we came back after COVID, we wanted to show that we were Barbicide COVID-certified,” she says. “That was an amazing thing to have right at that time.”
In addition to her Barbicide certifications, Sarah keeps all of her licenses and trainings in Merit. “All of the accomplishments are right in the palm of your hand,” she says. “It makes everything so much easier. I know if I went to Florida tomorrow, I could say, ‘This is all of my stuff from Virginia.’”
Next up for Barbicide and Merit
Several states have passed legislation requiring beauty professionals to be educated about the signs of domestic violence and how to respond. Shear Haven Domestic Violence Training is one such program that equips stylists with the knowledge and resources to recognize the signs of domestic violence, successfully navigate conversations with clients who may be in danger, and pass along tools that can help them get to safety. Barbicide now hosts the free training program on its site. Since April 2021, proof of course completion will be available in the Merit app for professionals to store alongside their other certifications and licenses.
The Barbicide-Merit partnership has been successful due to the overwhelming response from beauty professionals, as well as the pressing need for contactless solutions for showing certifications. Beauty professionals now have access to free courses, free certifications, and a free mobile application to store those accomplishments.
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Looking Inward: With Community at Its Heart, Davines Reinvents Its Pro Channel for North America
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
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RÜTE Wash Launches Shower Cap Designed for Crown Washing and Hair Extensions
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Premiere San Antonio Returns as a Must-Attend Beauty Trade Show in the Southwest
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MODERN SALON Boot Camp Is Coming to Philadelphia
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Reddit Releases Its First Beauty-Specific Report: Conversations Around Beauty, Hair, Nail, and Skincare
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Entries Are Open for Wella Professionals’ Trend Vision Awards 2026
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Black Beauty Roster Hosts Beauty Expo Presented by SalonCentric in NYC
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Pro Beauty Pulse: A Monthly View of Industry Confidence
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ASCP, ISPA and PBA Receive 2026 Power of Associations Award for Esthetics Licensure Compact
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In Dubai, Clients Visit the Salon Every Week. Here’s What That Market Can Teach You
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai